The candidates to succeed Arthur Lira (PP-AL) as president of the Federal Chamber are accumulating obstacles to make their names viable in the dispute. The election takes place in February 2025, and the race is undecided. Lira, who cannot run for re-election, is trying to transfer his political capital to a parliamentarian of his choice. He told deputies that he intends to define the name of his candidate by August, before the municipal elections.
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Candidates
Currently, at least four deputies are presenting themselves: Elmar Nascimento (União Brasil-BA), Marcos Pereira (Republicanos-SP), Antonio Brito (PSD-BA) and Isnaldo Bulhões Jr. (MDB-AL). But, behind the scenes, Lira assesses that none of the names have the necessary votes.
Support from President Lula (PT)
The lack of the necessary votes led Lira to seek the support of the Lula (PT) government for his successor. He offered the PT the possibility of the President of the Republic vetoing one of the candidates to consolidate the alliance. One of the reasons for concern is the resistance to current pre-candidates.
Top Rated
Leader of the PSD in the Chamber, Antonio Brito (BA) is today considered the name closest to Planalto, which causes apprehension among members of the opposition. He counts in his favor a good circulation with parliamentarians and right-wing leaders, as well as between different benches in the House.
Alliances Form
Representatives of the MDB and PSD say that the two parties signed an agreement and decided to ally the dispute for the succession of the president of the Chamber, Arthur Lira (PP-AL). Right now, the parties have two pre-candidates: leaders Antonio Brito (BA) and Isnaldo Bulhões Jr. (AL). Members of both parties say that the idea is for them to have a single candidate — who has not yet been chosen.
The Position
The importance of the dispute arises from the fact that the President of the Chamber is second in line to the Presidency of the Republic, decides on votes in the Chamber (including impeachment requests), and controls a significant part of the national budget.
Analysis:
The dispute over the succession of Arthur Lira (PP) as president of the Chamber of Deputies reveals a complex and strategic scenario in the current Brazilian political panorama. The election, scheduled for February 2025, presents itself as an undefined race, where the main candidates face significant obstacles to making their candidacies viable.
The importance of this dispute is undeniable. Therefore, the definition of the next president of the Chamber will have profound implications for the country’s political and legislative dynamics, directly influencing governability (making life easier or harder for the Federal Government) and the implementation of the political agendas of both the central government and the opposition.
Sources: UOL [1], [2]; Câmara dos Deputados.
